Mc275 bridged or get another power amp
 

Hi I am running a Wilson Audio Watt Puppy 3 with a MC275 ver 6 and it seems to need more power. Whats the better option,
1. get another MC275 ver 6 pre-owned and run them in mono or parallel (whats the difference anyway)
2. Not use the Mc275 and get a higher rated Mcintosh tube power amp, pre-owned

There's a video on YouTube from Audio Excellence in Canada in which they review the MC275. The reason I mention it is that they talk about a customer who has Wilson Speakers and two MC275s. They heard the system with one MC275 and then with two. If I remember right, Villip says he expected two amps to improve the sound but the improvement was off the charts. That video makes me want to add a second MC275 to my system.

Food for thought, anyway.

Tom

Thanks Tom i saw the video that you mentioned and its inspiring. Here's the link for the others to see,https://youtu.be/5uqkxocx0Fs
they mention the bridging at 8:23

I am more than pleased with my two MC275VI bridged driving my Electa Amator III and I had a MC452 before these tube babies.

Whats the new 150 watt per channel tube amp. MC 1502 with the tube version of Power Guard. Seems to me to be the better choice. If you got the money there is also the 2301 al - though I find them to be on the bright side compared to a 275. Remember 3 db isn't that much difference. I would go for the 2301's. If I were rich I'd buy Steve's pair of 3500's at Audio Classics. One of the best tube amps ever made. Just under 500 watts before clipping. Thats at least a 6 or 7 db difference. With Wilsons tendency to dip in impedance I would get a pair of the direct coupled SS MC 830's. Mine peg the meters before the Power Guard lights come on. Thats 600+ watts at 4 ohms and with Wilsons going lower thats even more power as the load approaches 2 ohms. Remember Mac mono amps really perform with their extra built in reserves. Thats why 2 MC 75's sound better than a 275.

get another 275 and bridge it. i run that set up in my home office and i love it. plus it gives you some versatility in the future if needed. i'm thinking about upgrading the office speakers and trying a parallel set up after talking with Mike at A/C. sounds interesting to me.

I preferred my MC601 mono's to my two MC275 v6's run in mono when I was running B&W 803d's. I now prefer my MC2301 mono's with my Strads.

Mc275 bridged or get another power amp
 

At one time I owned three McIntosh tube amps; MC 2102, MC 275V and MC 2301. I did a review of all three on this site.
Search for ‘A Triad of McIntosh Tube Magic’ and you’ll find it.

I still own an MC 275V and three MC 2301’s.

Mono block em.